Ælfthryth (wife of Edgar) facts for kids

Ælfthryth (born around 945 – died 1000 or 1001) was an important figure in early English history. She became Queen of the English when she married King Edgar the Peaceful in 964 or 965. She remained queen until Edgar's death in 975.

Ælfthryth was special because she was the first wife of an English king known to have been officially crowned and blessed as queen. This gave her a very important position. She had two sons with King Edgar: Edmund, who died young, and Æthelred. Ælfthryth was a powerful person in politics. Some historical accounts suggest she was involved in the events surrounding the death of her stepson, King Edward the Martyr. This led to her son Æthelred becoming king. Later stories often showed her as a "bad queen" or "evil stepmother."

Early Life of Ælfthryth

Ælfthryth was the daughter of a powerful nobleman named Ordgar. Her mother was part of the royal family of Wessex. Her family had a lot of power in the western part of Wessex.

Ælfthryth first married Æthelwald. He was the son of another important nobleman, Æthelstan Half-King. An old book by Byrhtferth of Ramsey tells us this.

Later stories, like one by William of Malmesbury, add more exciting details. These stories say that King Edgar heard about Ælfthryth's great beauty. He wanted a queen, so he sent Æthelwald to meet her. Edgar told Æthelwald to propose marriage to her if she was as beautiful as people said.

However, Æthelwald married her himself! He then told King Edgar that she was not suitable at all. Eventually, Edgar found out about this. The story says Edgar decided to visit Ælfthryth himself. Æthelwald was very worried and asked Ælfthryth to make herself look unattractive. But she did the opposite! Edgar was very impressed with her. The story claims Edgar then killed Æthelwald during a hunting trip.

It's important to remember that these dramatic details might not be entirely true. Historical records don't say exactly when or how Æthelwald died. We also don't know of any children Ælfthryth had with Æthelwald.

Becoming Queen of England

King Edgar had two children before he married Ælfthryth. Their mother was not a queen. Edward was likely the son of Æthelflæd. Eadgifu, who later became Saint Edith of Wilton, was the daughter of Wulfthryth.

Marrying Ælfthryth was a smart political move for Edgar. His power was strong in Mercia, while Ælfthryth's family was powerful in Wessex. This marriage helped connect these two important regions. She also had ties to other powerful families.

Edgar and Ælfthryth married in either 964 or 965. In 966, Ælfthryth gave birth to their first son, Edmund. In an important royal document from that year, young Edmund is called "legitimate ætheling" (a prince with a claim to the throne). He was even listed before Edward. Sadly, Edmund died young, around 970.

In 968, Ælfthryth had another son, who was named Æthelred.

A Special Coronation

On May 11, 973, King Edgar had a second coronation ceremony in Bath. This was probably to show his power over all of Britain. At this event, Ælfthryth was also crowned and blessed as queen. This was a very important moment. It gave her a higher status than any queen before her in England.

The ceremony for a queen's coronation was new in England. It focused on her role as a protector of religion and convents (nunneries). Ælfthryth took a strong interest in several abbeys. For example, she oversaw Barking Abbey.

Queen's Role in Law

Ælfthryth also played a big role in legal cases. She acted as a forespeca, or advocate, in at least seven cases. This meant she helped people settle disputes with the king's court. She was a key part of the legal system in Anglo-Saxon England. Her actions often helped women who were involved in legal matters. Her role shows that women could have legal and political power during this time.

Queen Dowager and Regent

This old drawing shows Edward the Martyr being offered a drink by Ælfthryth. An attendant is about to harm him.

King Edgar died in 975. He left behind two young sons, Edward and Æthelred. Edward was almost an adult. Many important people supported his claim to the throne. These included Archbishops Dunstan and Oswald of Worcester.

Ælfthryth, now the Queen dowager (the king's mother), supported her own son, Æthelred. She had allies like Bishop Æthelwold of Winchester.

According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, King Edward was killed at Corfe Castle on March 18, 978. He was visiting Ælfthryth at the time. It seems he was killed by servants of the queen. This cleared the way for her son Æthelred to become king. As Edward became seen as a saint and martyr, many stories were written about his death. At first, they hinted at Ælfthryth's involvement. Later, they directly accused her.

Ruling for Her Son

Within a year of his brother's death, Æthelred became king of the English. Because Æthelred was very young, Ælfthryth served as his regent. This meant she ruled the country for him until he was old enough, around 984. She and her advisors managed the kingdom effectively.

Around 984, her main allies had died. Æthelred then started to make his own decisions. He chose younger noblemen as his advisors.

When Ælfthryth was crowned queen in 973, she signed official documents as "Ælfðryð regina" (Queen Ælfthryth). During her stepson King Edward's rule, she did not sign documents. But when her son King Æthelred was young, she again signed as "Ælfðryð regina." Later, around 983, when Æthelred began to rule more on his own, she started signing as "Ælfthryth, mother of the king."

Later Life and Legacy

Ælfthryth stopped appearing on lists of people signing official documents around 984. This was around the time Æthelred got married. His new wife, Ælfgifu, became the new queen at court.

However, Ælfthryth reappeared in 993, again signing as 'mother of the king'. She remained an important person. She was responsible for taking care of Æthelred's children from his first marriage. Æthelred's oldest son, Æthelstan Ætheling, even mentioned his grandmother "who brought me up" in his will in 1014.

Even though her reputation was affected by the events surrounding her stepson's death, Ælfthryth was a very religious woman. She was especially interested in improving monasteries when she was queen. Around 986, she founded Wherwell Abbey in Hampshire. It was a Benedictine nunnery. She later retired there. Around 979, Ælfthryth also founded Amesbury Abbey.

Historians note that later queens, like Emma and Edith, followed Ælfthryth's example. They also supported religious groups and monasteries. Ælfthryth died at Wherwell on November 17, in either 999, 1000, or 1001.

See Also

In Spanish: Elfrida para niños

Images for kids

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  Edward the Martyr is offered a cup of mead by Ælfthryth, wife of Edgar, unaware that her attendant is about to murder him.